In a large bowl, combine the biscuit mix, beer, and sugar. Let stand at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease twelve 2 1/2-inch muffins tins. Spoon the batter into the tins and bake for 20 minutes.
Makes 12 large biscuits.

Mulled wine is an old, old cold-weather drink, as old as cooking records. And even after a couple of thousand years, it’s still perfect for friends who drop in during the holidays. Keep a big pot hot on your stove all day. SAM

In a 1-gallon container combine the wine and juice. Tie the spices in cheesecloth and submerge them in the wine mixture. Cover and chill for 6 hours or overnight. In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove the spice bag.
Makes 1 gallon or 32 servings.

In a medium bowl, combine the crumbs, cocoa, walnuts, corn syrup, and whiskey. Roll into 1/2-inch diameter balls and let rest for 15 minutes. Roll in sugar and place in a single layer to rest for 1 hour. Transfer to gift boxes or jars.
Makes 60 balls.

Lightly butter an 8-inch square pan. In a medium bowl, combine the butter, crackers, peanut butter, and sugar. Press into the prepared pan. In the top of a double boiler or in a microwave, melt the chocolate and spread evenly on the peanut butter mixture. Cool in the pan before cutting into 1-inch squares.
Makes 64 1-inch squares.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine the oats, walnuts, almonds, coconut, and sunflower kernels. In another bowl, combine the honey, oil, water, and rum extract. Pour into the oats mixture and stir to coat. Spread evenly on a heavy baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with salt, and cool. Stir in the cherries and chocolate and transfer to decorative gift jars.
Makes 5 half-pint gift jars.

In a large bowl combine all ingredients. Transfer to decorative jars with a note reading: ‘To serve, dissolve 2 heaping tablespoons in 1 cup boiling water and stir with a cinnamon stick.’
Makes 12 half-pint gift jars.

A Continuing Story of Great Food and Tempestuous Love

Episode 36: Oh, Promise Me!

Sam is right. There is on this wedding day unprecedented music in the spheres.

Blessed by chance and fine ingredients, swept up in the power of love and good cooking, bound together by the certain glory of a life to come, Harry and Sam pledge each to the other the tag ends of their earthly days.

Harry's mother sighs; Sam's sisters cheer; their friends weep for joy, struck by the light of love shining in their eyes.

'Oh, promise me,' their butcher's niece, a voice major from Julliard, sings.

And they do.

The End.

Previously on The Rocky Road of Love

For links to the back story of The Rocky Road of Love, see Previous Episodes at the top of the Home page or click on individual episodes in the Pages box below.